Chapter 3

Aria felt nothing inside.

For five years, Susan had focused on improving her health, yet she still hadn't conceived.

Susan had certainly harbored resentment.

Back then, Aria had always believed there was a chance to fix things with Larry, so she never mentioned their problems to his family.

Instead, she silently endured Susan's complaints and drank the herbal remedies for five years.

But now, there was no need to pretend anymore.

After the initial shock, Susan quickly realized that since her son had notorious affairs with other women, he couldn't possibly be physically incapable.

The only explanation was that the couple had never been intimate.

Marcus's face darkened. "Larry, come to my study," he said coldly.

Larry was practically laughing with anger.

He never imagined Aria would reveal their private matters in front of his family.

He shot her a furious look before following his father to the study.

Aria pretended not to notice.

Susan was stunned by her son's terrible behavior. She sighed and took Aria's hand apologetically.

"Aria, dear, I'm sorry for what you've endured. Don't worry, I'll talk to him. Larry won't treat you this way anymore."

The Spencers were a traditional wealthy family. Both parents were decent people, but when it came to the matter of children, Aria had suffered silently for years.

"I'm fine," Aria said with a faint smile, her expression unchanged.

But the future? There was no future for her and Larry anymore.

In the study, Marcus's face was stern as he reprimanded his son. "You chose to marry her yourself. You once treated her like a treasure, and now look at the mess you've made! What are you thinking?"

Larry's eyes darkened with shifting emotions, but his expression remained cold as ever.

He had married Aria for revenge.

As for children, he would never have a child with the woman who had harmed Linda.

A father knows his son well. Marcus saw through his son's thoughts immediately.

He frowned, disapproval clear in his eyes.

"Linda's death was just an accident. There's no evidence behind Lucy's accusations. Larry, if you stay trapped in the past, you'll regret it for the rest of your life."

He knew his son well.

If they ultimately missed their chance together, lifelong regret would surely follow.

Leaving the study, Larry's thin lips were tightly pressed together. His dark eyes churned with intense emotions, predominantly undisguised disgust.

Evidence? As if Lucy would lie?

Just then, Larry's phone rang.

"Larry, Lucy's been hurt. She's in the hospital now. Could you possibly come over..."

Before the caller finished, Larry's expression changed. He grabbed his keys and rushed downstairs.

Aria watched his anxious face, feeling no surprise whatsoever.

Thinking back, even during the period when Larry was dating her years ago, it had been the same.

The Landon sisters—one phone call was enough to make him come running or leave in an instant.

Now, nothing had changed.

At that moment, a message from Archer appeared on her phone.

He had shared two images.

The pictures showed exquisite wedding rings glowing brilliantly, shimmering with a lustrous glow.

Each was incredibly valuable.

Aria was surprised.

Had he sent them to the wrong person?

But then he sent a voice message.

The man's voice was deep and magnetic: "Which one do you like?"

Aria was stunned.

This marriage with Archer Duncan was purely a mutual arrangement. He would help her leave the Spencer family and end her marriage, and she would naturally become Mrs. Duncan, at least in name.

Rumor had it that Archer had once deeply loved someone.

However, before they could marry, something tragic happened.

Aria assumed her arrangement with Archer was merely a convenient performance.

She never expected him to take things like wedding rings so seriously.

"This one," Aria selected one of the photos.

"About tomorrow's gala, you..."

She paused, wanting to ask Archer about the event.

But when he didn't send any more messages, she decided not to send her question.

She looked at their chat history.

She and Archer had met only once, yet they were future marriage partners.

Even now, she didn't understand why Archer had proposed to marry her, essentially stealing her from another man.

She instinctively tapped on Archer's profile picture.

It was an adorable hand-drawn black and white kitten.

Aria thought it looked familiar but couldn't remember where she'd seen it before. Mostly, she was surprised.

How could someone like Archer Duncan have such a childlike side?

That evening, at Susan's insistence, Aria had to stay overnight at the Spencer estate.

She drifted into a drowsy sleep.

When Larry pushed open the bedroom door, he found Aria fast asleep.

She wore a silk nightgown that revealed a glimpse of her delicate ankle. Without her usual cold demeanor, she looked gentle and vulnerable.

Larry's eyes darkened.

His fingertips brushed her lips as he recalled his father's words, his expression hardening.

Lifelong regret? For her? Was she worthy?

Yet as anger and whiskey mixed within him, he gripped her wrist and leaned down...

His grip was too strong. The pain in her wrist instantly woke Aria.

Larry's lips were about to descend.

Aria frowned and turned her head away.

"What are you doing?" Her tone was cold.

Larry narrowed his eyes, his thin lips curving with sarcasm as he sneered, "Didn't you want a child? Why else would you say those things in front of my parents? I'm giving you what you want."

He pinned her hands, his lips pressing down.

The scent of Lucy's perfume on him made Aria nauseous.

As she struggled, Larry became more forceful, his eyes filled with contempt and disgust.

Aria managed to push him away roughly.

Without hesitation, she slapped him hard, her voice icy, "Sleeping with two women in one night? You may not feel disgusted, but I find it revolting."

In the lamplight, her beautiful features were slightly flushed, her skin luminous, her eyes glistening.

Her calm expression carried unmistakable disgust.

In this moment, Aria truly despised this man she had loved for years.

She spoke slowly, "Larry, this is pointless. Let's get divorced."

This mutual hatred was harmful to them both.

If he loved Lucy, she was willing to let him have his happiness.

When Aria mentioned divorce, Larry felt inexplicably angrier.

How dare she suggest divorce? She hadn't yet paid for what she owed Linda.

"Who are you trying to fool?" he said coldly, eyes narrowed. "Aria, you think I don't know your game? Divorce? You don't deserve to even mention it! You'll stay in the Spencer family for the rest of your life, atoning for your sins!"

With that, Larry slammed the door as he left.

Aria watched him go. Just then, a message from Christina Chancer came through.

"Aria, I've sent you the development plans for that Westside property you asked about. By the way, will Mr. Duncan really give you that property?"